Why the Arts Matter to a Community

When people think about a strong, thriving community, they often focus on schools, safety, jobs, or parks—and those are all vital. But what about the Arts?

Why the Arts Matter to a Community

At Arts Trussville, we believe the Arts are not an “extra.” They are a cornerstone of a vibrant, healthy, connected community. Whether it’s a music performance in the park, a student art show at the library, or a mural that brings color to a quiet corner, the Arts are woven into the life of a place—and they make life richer for everyone who lives there.

🎨 Emotional and Social Well-Being

Art has a powerful effect on how people feel. It gives us moments of joy, reflection, connection, and healing. Public art makes spaces more welcoming. Music lifts spirits. Creative expression helps us process emotions and build empathy.

In communities, the Arts means less isolation, more engagement, and a stronger sense of belonging. Art can bring neighbors together, create dialogue between generations, and foster pride in where we live.

📚 Educational Benefits

The Arts are essential to learning—not just for future artists, but for everyone.

Kids who participate in the Arts tend to show:

• Improved academic performance
• Better problem-solving skills
• Greater emotional intelligence
• Stronger collaboration and communication abilities

Arts education helps students think creatively, build confidence, and explore who they are. And when schools, libraries, and community programs invest in the Arts, they help raise well-rounded, imaginative young people—our future leaders and innovators.

💵 Economic Impact

It’s easy to underestimate but the Arts also mean business.

Arts events bring people downtown. They fill restaurants, shops, and parking spots. Artists rent space, buy supplies, and create jobs. Cities with strong arts scenes attract tourism and boost local economies. According to the National Endowment for the Arts, the Arts contribute over $900 billion to the U.S. economy each year.

🎭 Arts Infrastructure in Trussville: Modest but Meaningful Investment

Trussville’s support for the Arts may not rival that of a major metro, but it’s clear that creativity has a home here—especially when it comes to facilities and events that serve multiple purposes.

The Trussville Civic Center plays a key role in hosting arts-related activities, from theater productions by the Arts Council of Trussville Area (ACTA) to art exhibits, cultural pop-ups, and community showcases like the Central Alabama Coin Show. While the Civic Center is primarily a multipurpose space used for fitness, recreation, and senior programs, it regularly opens its doors to artistic and cultural events.

Celebrate the History of the Arts Council of the Trussville Area. Show your support for Trussville's charming community theatre, established in 1986, and ACTA's 38-year contribution to local theatre and art. The theatre is located in the historic Heritage Hall building, in the Cahaba Project in the heart of downtown Trussville.

Based on facilities of similar size in cities like ours, the Civic Center’s annual operating costs (including staff, utilities, and maintenance) are likely between $500,000 and $1 million. Not all of that goes toward the arts—but an estimated 20% to 40% of its use supports arts programming in some form, totaling around $100,000 to $400,000 per year in indirect support.

In addition, Trussville funds and supports community events with strong arts components, like CityFest—which featured live music, artisan vendors, and family-friendly entertainment—and helps maintain public art in the downtown entertainment district. These arts-centered activities likely account for another $50,000–$100,000 annually, including staff time, permits, and mini-grants.

While Trussville doesn’t have a dedicated cultural department, it does offer valuable infrastructure and logistical support—and that matters. In total, a reasonable estimate for the city’s arts spending in FY 2025 is between $150,000 and $500,000, leaning toward the lower end unless a new mural or expanded festival bumps things up. It’s a practical, facility-driven model that still makes space for creativity.

Investing in the arts isn’t just good for the soul—it’s good for the bottom line.

💡 Spending vs. Return: What It Tells Us

While Trussville’s annual arts spending likely falls between $150,000 and $500,000—primarily through facility support, event logistics, and occasional public art initiatives—the return on that investment is significantly amplified. Ticketed events like ACTA productions generate tens of thousands of dollars in revenue, while festivals like CityFest and vendor-based art markets contribute additional income through booth fees, sponsorships, and strong local spending. Beyond direct dollars, the ripple effect is even greater: people dine out before shows, shop local during festivals, and engage with their community in ways that strengthen Trussville’s economic and cultural vitality.

In short, a relatively modest public investment in the Arts results in outsized benefits, both economically and socially. It fuels small businesses, brings families together, showcases local talent, and enhances the overall quality of life—proving that the Arts aren’t just valuable, they’re essential.

2025 ACTA Jr. Summer Camps: Young actors get together and learn a show in as little as a week and perform it for their family, friends, and ACTA patrons at the end! Join all the fun and make some new friends at ACTA Jr. Summer Camp.

🏙️ Arts in Action: Trussville Highlights

Trussville is no stranger to the power of the arts. We see it happening every day in our community. These initiatives highlight the integral role of the arts in fostering community engagement, cultural appreciation, and economic vitality in Trussville.

Rebekah Gilbert is a Birmingham-based singer-songwriter with a chill, relaxed vibe. Her velvety, intimate vocals invite listeners on a journey of lyrical honesty and smooth melodies. Rebekah’s musical delivery has been described as bringing a warm ray of light into a dark room. Catch her performance at Ferus on Saturday, May 3, 2025. RSVP Here.

Arts Trussville programs and events—like the Gateway Art Festival—bring visual artists, performers, and families together to celebrate creativity right in the heart of the city. Held on October 13, 2024, in the Trussville Gateway Entertainment District, this festival featured over 30 talented artists and craftspeople, offering residents and visitors an opportunity to experience and purchase local art. 

The Gateway Art Festival in the Trussville Gateway Entertainment District (on the corner of Beech and Morrow). Photo by Jennifer Palmer, Arts Trussville Board Member.

Ferus Artisan Ales and The Trussville Entertainment District (The Gateway) host live music, art markets, and cultural events that turn a night out into a celebration of local talent. Beyond crafting exceptional beers, Ferus Artisan Ales serves as a cultural hub, hosting a variety of events including live music performances, art shows, and community gatherings. For instance, they have scheduled performances such as "End of the Line: An Allman Brothers Tribute" on April 25, 2025. 

Art at Cahaba Elementary School. Hands-on learning makes education come alive! From lab experiments to art projects, creativity is key.

Trussville City Schools (TCS) and the Hewitt-Trussville High School offer a comprehensive Fine Arts program across various disciplines, providing students with opportunities to explore and develop their artistic talents.

Visual Arts

The Visual Arts curriculum includes beginner courses that focus on basic illustration skills and compositional development using various drawing and painting mediums. Additionally, the Digital Photography course introduces students to photography, emphasizing both technical skills and creative expression. 

Theatre Program

The Theatre Program offers courses such as Theatre I, which introduces students to the art of theatre, methods of acting, theatre history, and technical theatre fundamentals. Participation in theatre classes aims to awaken creativity, boost self-confidence, and provide an outlet for self-expression. 

Band

The Band program encompasses various ensembles:

• Concert Band: Focuses on developing musical understanding and playing skills through performance.

• Jazz Ensemble: Emphasizes jazz articulation, improvisation, and various jazz styles. 

• Auxiliary (Color Guard and Dance Line): Teaches and refines aspects of color guard and dance routines, including flag routines and physical fitness. 

2023 Hewitt-Trussville High School Marching Band, Peach State Marching Festival. Courtesy of Mark Knauss

Choir

The Choir program includes:

• Mixed Chorus: Teaches students to read music and involves performances requiring uniforms. 

The 2023 Hewitt-Trussville Middle School Choir under the direction of student-instructor Mr. Finney. Photo courtesy of Ben Cook, choir director.

Through these diverse offerings, TCS's Fine Arts program plays a vital role in fostering creativity, self-expression, and cultural appreciation among students, contributing significantly to their overall development and the vibrancy of the Trussville community.

Our mission is to promote the joy of reading, the power of ideas, and lifelong learning for everyone.

For decades the Friends of the Trussville Library has supported the library's mission in the community. Through volunteering at events and financial support, this group plays a vital role in the life of Trussville Public Library. Click here to become a Friend of the Trussville Library for only $10 per year!

❤️ Community Identity and Pride

Every community has a story—and the Arts help us tell it.

Through murals, festivals, music, and more, the Arts preserve local history, uplift diverse voices, and help residents feel proud of where they live. Art builds identity. It creates landmarks. It turns spaces into places.

Every mural, sidewalk chalk design, and gallery opening adds color and life to our shared spaces. These aren’t just nice extras—they're key pieces of what make Trussville a vibrant, welcoming place to live

When people feel connected to their community, they’re more likely to stay, engage, and invest in its future.

🌺 Let’s Keep Growing the Arts Together

At Arts Trussville, we believe the arts belong to everyone. Whether you’re a professional artist, a student, a volunteer, or someone who simply loves a good concert in the park—you are part of the arts community.

Let’s keep supporting the programs, artists, teachers, and events that bring beauty, energy, and connection to our city.

Because when the arts thrive, we all do.